Greenville, South Carolina – A Winter Storm Watch remains in effect from Saturday morning through Monday afternoon for large portions of western North Carolina and Upstate South Carolina, with a high-impact mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain expected.
According to the National Weather Service in Greenville-Spartanburg, snow and sleet accumulations of up to 3 inches are possible, along with significant ice accumulations ranging from four-tenths of an inch to as much as one inch. Wind gusts could reach 35 mph, increasing the risk of tree damage and power outages.
The watch covers much of the North Carolina mountains and foothills, the western Piedmont including the Charlotte metro area, and much of Upstate South Carolina. Forecasters warn that significant ice accumulation on power lines and tree limbs could result in widespread and long-lasting power outages.
Freezing rain and sleet are expected to make roadways treacherous and potentially impassable. Bridges, overpasses, and secondary roads are expected to become especially dangerous. Hazardous conditions could significantly impact the Monday morning commute across the region.
The highest snow and sleet accumulations are expected north of Interstate 40, while the greatest ice accumulations are most likely across the southern mountains of North Carolina and the mountainous regions of South Carolina and northeast Georgia.
Residents are urged to closely monitor forecast updates as small temperature changes could greatly affect precipitation type and ice totals. Officials recommend delaying all non-essential travel and preparing now for possible extended power outages.
Motorists who must travel are advised to carry a winter storm kit and use extreme caution. Communities across the southern Appalachians and adjacent Piedmont areas should prepare for prolonged hazardous winter weather conditions.
